The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has announced the appointment of Paul Gallagher as its new chief executive.
Gallagher will oversee the strategic direction and operation of the IHF, working closely with industry partners, government and state agencies on behalf of the hotels sector to ensure the right conditions are in place to support the growth and development of Irish tourism and hospitality.
The industry currently supports over 270,000 livelihoods across Ireland, including some 66,000 people directly employed within the hotel and guesthouse sector.
“Throughout his career, Paul has demonstrated exceptional leadership with an exemplary track record advocating on behalf of our hotel and tourism sector at the highest levels," said Michael Magner, IHF President.
"His deep understanding of our sector, extensive experience and outstanding contribution to the strategic development of our industry means the federation is in very capable hands."
Gallagher is a past President of the IHF and former Chair of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC).
He takes up the helm at the Federation following 27 years as general manager of Buswells Hotel, Dublin. He is a government appointee to Tourism Ireland as a non-executive director and has previously served on numerous government taskforces, including the Tourism Recovery Oversight Group, the Brexit Taskforce, the Advisory Group on Small Business, the Tourism Recovery Taskforce and Grow Dublin Taskforce.
Gallagher is a fellow of the Irish Hospitality Institute and holds a Master’s Degree in Business and Hospitality as a graduate of the University of Galway and Shannon College of Hotel Management.
“I look forward to working with IHF President Michael Magner and our National Council to deliver key policy priorities in support of the long-term sustainable development of our sector and wider industry," said Gallagher.
"This is of critical importance given the integral role our industry plays supporting indigenous employment, rural and regional prosperity, foreign direct investment and thousands of communities throughout the country.”
